Michael B. Mayock, Inc. dba A Complete Drywall Company is a custom drywall firm that’s been serving residential and commercial clients in the Greater Bay Area for 40 years. The company offers a wide range of drywall services, including plastering,…
Read more

Diamond certified companies are top rated and guaranteed

How To Choose

What to Look for to Find the Best Drywall Contractor in Marin County

Because your home is so important, you want to keep it in the best repair possible. You may find at some time that you need a drywall contractor for new building or for repair. When you are looking for a drywall contractor you want to find a professional with integrity. Drywall installation may be considered a science but it is also an art form. As an art form, drywall installation depends upon an expert technician to be sure the drywall finish is professional looking. Whether you are having drywall installed in a new building or having it repaired, drywall installation is labor intensive.

You may not be able to tell that your drywall contractor was less than adequate until the final paint is applied. Mistakes tend to show up once you start the finish work. That is why it is so important to hire a Diamond Certified drywall contractor. Good drywall contractors in Marin County in the cities of San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo and Larkspur is a professional with a high level of responsibility and reliability who will get the job done correctly the first time.

It is imperative that you have good communication with your Marin County drywall contractor. Communication is key to getting the work done the way you want it and done correctly. You should feel comfortable making requests or offering input about the drywall project. You are not only wanting skilled contractors and workers but drywall contractors that will listen to your concerns and respect your opinions and your home.

Your reasons for hiring a drywall contractor in Marin County could be one of many. Perhaps you are remodeling or building. Your home may have been damaged by water or mold. Water damage is one of the most common reasons for drywall repair. The more quickly you attend to leaky pipes or flooding the less likely the area will develop mold. If the repair involves getting access to wiring or plumbing, drywall will most likely have to be removed and replaced. Whatever reason you have for needing a drywall contractor, you need one that will appreciate and understand your specific needs. You also want a drywall contractor who pays attention to detail and works neatly.

Acquiring Information About a Marin County Drywall Contractor You can Trust

Not all Marin County drywall contractors are alike. They have varied degrees of experience and philosophies. It is your right to choose a qualified and responsible drywall contractor in Marin County. You want a drywall contractor that is reliable and trustworthy. Good drywall contractors will repair or install your drywall and they will get it right the first time.

All Diamond Certified companies have already been thoroughly researched for you, including license verification. However, if you’re unable to choose a g drywall contractor in your area of Marin County in the cities of San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo and Larkspur and the smaller areas of Lagunitas, Lucas Valley, Marin City and Marinwood, you’ll have to do the research yourself.

When the drywall contractor comes to your home, describe in depth what you are expecting from your drywall project so they can give you the most accurate estimate for your drywall job. It is important for them to get accurate measurements so they can give you an accurate estimate. Good Marin County drywall contractors can specializes in all types of drywall repair. A drywall contractor also will also strive to work within your timeline. Be sure to discuss your timeline for your drywall project and if the drywall contractor can work within that timeline.

First, a drywall contractor will come to your home to assess whether your drywall is in need of any repair or to look at the new area for drywall installation. If it is determined that you are in need of repair, they will schedule your drywall repair quickly and get any permits that are needed to begin the work. The goal of a good drywall contractor in Marin County is to give you professional drywall installation or timely and appropriate drywall repair.

You will find that a many Marin County drywall contractors, including those in the cities of San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo and Larkspur, take pride in their drywall work. They are meticulous in their attention to detail and matching the style in your home. You will also discover that they are very sensitive to disrupting your life with their work and will be careful to keep the area neat and organized.

Find a Reliable and Trustworthy Marin County Drywall Contractor

When you are searching for a drywall contractor in Marin County, check to see if they have already done a drywall project similiar to the one you are considering. If so, it will be rather easy for them to modify the plan. They will also understand the permitting process and have ideas of what could improve your drywall design. This will also give you the opportunity to look at their work which is similar to your project and you can get an idea of the quality of their work.

Be sure to check references of any drywall contractor. Request two positive references as well as a reference that may not be so positive. Ask if there are any drywall projects that they have done that you might be able to see. You want to be sure that this person is someone that you can see yourself working with for the next few months and getting along with happily.

Be sure to check several potential drywall contractors for your project. Give identical copies of your detailed plans to each potential candidate for a quote. You should get at least three different quotes before making your final selection. Also, make sure the quote includes materials that meet your project specifications.

Because a drywall contractor will save you time, money and stress, be sure to do your homework and find a quality drywall company to do business with. This way you will have done everything possible to have quality drywall installation.

You do not want to hire a drywall contractor who does any of these things:

Applies pressure to convince you to hire them

Offers a discount for on-the-spot hiring

Has no business number in the local telephone directory

Requires a large down payment for the purpose of purchasing materials

Gives you only a PO Box address rather than a physical address

Suggests who you should borrow money from for your project and this is someone the contractor knows

Requests you pay for everything upfront before the drywall project has even begun

Offers discounts for you finding customers for them

Requires YOU to obtain any required permits

Accepts nothing but cash

Quotes an actual price without actually seeing the job

Offers only lifetime warranties (as these are only as good as the life of the company)

You are the customer. If your goal is to choose a drywall contractor that will deliver high customer satisfaction and quality, you’ll feel confident in choosing a Diamond Certified drywall company. Each has been rated Highest in Quality in the most accurate ratings process anywhere. And you’re always backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. Here’s why the Diamond Certified ratings and certification process will help you find a top-rated drywall installer and is unparalleled in its accuracy, rigor and usefulness:

1) Accuracy: All research is performed by live telephone interviews that verify only real customers are surveyed, so you’ll never be fooled by fake reviews.

2) Statistical Reliability: A large random sample of past customers is surveyed on an ongoing basis so the research results you see truly reflect a Diamond Certified company’s top-rated status.

3) Full Disclosure: By clicking the name of a company above you’ll see the exact rating results in charts and read verbatim survey responses as well as researched articles on each qualified company.

4) Guaranteed: Your purchase is backed up with mediation and the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you can choose with confidence.

Click on the name of a Diamond Certified company above to read ratings results, researched articles and verbatim customer survey responses to help you make an informed decision.

More than 200,000 customers of local companies have been interviewed in live telephone calls, and only companies that score Highest in Quality in customer satisfaction–a 90+ on a 100 scale–as well as pass all of the credential-based ratings earn Diamond Certified. By requiring such a high score to qualify, the Diamond Certified program eliminates mediocre and poorly performing companies. Read detailed information about the ratings and certification process.

Know What You Want

What to Ask Yourself as You Research Drywall Contractors in Marin County

You will want to consider many factors before selecting the best drywall contractors in Marin. If you take the time to consider your needs and what you want, then you will be able to choose a drywall contractor who can most successfully meet those needs and give you the service you want. Write down everything that you are searching for before you begin your research. Consider the following questions before you choose your drywall contractor.

What To Ask In Person

When Speaking in Person with a Marin County Drywall Contractor Ask These Questions

Once you’ve narrowed down the field to a few of the best drywall contractors, visit some in person to meet your representative. As you interview drywall contractors in Marin County, including the larger cities of Corte Madera, Tiburon, Sausalito, Fairfax, Ross and Belvedere you may want to ask the following questions.

What is your timeline for bidding the contract and completing the drywall work?

How many projects similar to mine have you completed?

Do you hire subcontractors for any of the drywall work?

What professional organizations are you a member of?

How and when do you clean up the construction site?

What will you do with the trash and debris?

How long do you expect the drywall project to take?

Do you carry workers’ compensation and liability insurance?

How do you price drywall work?

What type of warranty do you offer and what are the terms?

Are construction permits needed for this drywall work and, if so, will you be responsible for getting them?

What To Ask References

Questions to Ask References of a Marin County Drywall Contractor

It’s best to choose a Diamond Certified drywall contractor because all certified companies have passed an in-depth ratings processthat most other companies can’t pass. If you want quality from a drywall contractor in Marin County and the greater Bay Area, you can have confidence choosing a Diamond Certified company. Diamond Certified reports are available online for all certified companies. And you’ll never be fooled by fake reviews. That’s because all research is performed in live telephone interviews of actual customers.

If you can’t find a Diamond Certified drywall contractor within reach, you’ll have to do some research on your own. If you do, it’s wise to call some references provided by your drywall contractor. Keep in mind, though, that references provided to you by the drywall contractor are not equal in value to the large random sample of customers surveyed during the Diamond Certified ratings process. That’s because references given to customers from companies are cherry-picked instead of randomly selected from all their customers. So the contractors will likely give you a few customers to call that they know are satisfied.

If you do call references on your own, specifically ask for a list of the company’s 10 most recent customers. This will help avoid them giving you the names of only customers they know were satisfied.

Were you satisfied with the service from the drywall contractor?

Do you feel like the drywall contractor charged a fair price for the quality of the work?

Did the drywall contractor seem receptive to your input?

Did the drywall contractor provide answers to questions to your satisfaction?

Were there any unexpected costs? If so, what?

Did the drywall contractor keep you up to date on the status of your project?

If you live in a smaller area such as Bolinas, Dillon Beach, Dogtown, Forest Knolls and Greenbrae, did you have to pay extra for their travel expenses to your home?

Did the drywall contractor show up on time?

If you need a drywall contractor in the future, will you consider hiring this drywall contractor?

What type of drywall project did you hire the drywall contractor to complete?

Would you recommend this drywall contractor to your family and friends?

How To Work With

Prepare to Sign a Contract with a Drywall Contractor in Marin County

After you have found a Marin County drywall contractor that you can trust, you will have peace of mind. You should be able to relax as a Marin County drywall contractor leads you through the process step by step.

Once you’ve hired a drywall contractor in Marin County, including the smaller cities of Almonte, Bel Marin Keys, Belvedere Tiburon and Black Point, you will have an initial meeting between you and the contractor to discuss your requirements and the contractor’s qualifications. An estimate of the project and its feasibility is drawn out. Furthermore, you will discuss the budget and design of the project as well as any restrictions and permissions that will be needed. Use the notes that you have taken so you can accurately describe any concerns that you have. Be as detailed as possible and don’t be in a rush. It is as important for you to hear their suggestions and observations as it is for them to hear you. If you don’t understand something, ask for an explanation.

It is important for you to completely comprehend the drywall project and what it entails. The contractor will provide you with an estimate based on the specifications. He will also offer choices. Once the final contract has been drawn, the next step will be applying for permits. Last of all, the installation and financing process will begin.

Be sure to get all estimates in writing before any work begins. The estimate should include an itemized list of the cost of supplies and the labor. Don’t ever sign a blank estimate.

How to Get the Most Benefit From a Contract with Marin County Drywall ContractorsWhen you feel satisfied with the information you have received from your Marin County drywall contractor, you are ready to sign the contract. Be sure that they have a phone number where you can be reached at all times. Once the contract is drawn up, it should be signed by both parties: you and the drywall contractor. If any sub-contractors will be involved, they should sign the contract as well. The contract should protect the interests of both you and the contractor. Expect the drywall contractor to stay within the estimate. However, if the actual cost exceeds the original amount of the estimate, they must get your approval before moving ahead.

You contract should include the following:

A clear, concise, and complete description of the project, including start and completion dates. It should also include who will be responsible for each aspect of the project.

The estimate or quote of the project.

A payment schedule as well as the terms for the contractor, subcontractor(s) and suppliers.

Any oral promises made.

Who will be responsible for obtaining necessary permits (this is usually the contractor).

Detailed materials list: product, size, color, type, model, and brand name. Any additional or alternate materials that may be used if necessary should also be listed.

Warranties should be written and the length of time as well as limitations should be covered. Warranties should cover materials and workmanship, and names and addresses of the warrantor. This may include the contractor, manufacturer, and distributor.

How change orders will be handled. Any changes or additions to the drywall project should be written up in the contract so that the conditions for change are pre-determined. Furthermore, the contract should list how and when payment will be made for adjustments.

Professional drywall contractors are able to handle the very small to very large aspects of their work. However, depending on if you are having a brand new project or having drywall repair there are some things that you can do to prepare for them and to make their progress in your drywall work go more smoothly. Doing these things may even cut down on their labor costs and can keep your home and belongings from being damaged.

Keep your pets and children away from the area. Your drywall contractor will be focused on your project and should not have to watch out for your pets or children at any time. This not only prevents accidents and injury but also any expense that comes from accidents that may happen because of children and pets being in the way.

Provide parking space and room for their work vehicles to maneuver. Drywall contractors often have large vehicles that require more space than average. Contact your contractor before they begin building and ask them how many parking spaces they need and how much room they need. It is also helpful to walk through the area with your contractor so any hazards or clearance issues can be pointed out before the actual work begins.

Remove any furniture or movable items from the area. Before they begin work on your drywall project, remove all of the objects that may be in the way.

Be a Good Customer

Keys to Being a Good Marin County Drywall Contractor Customer

It’s the drywall contractor’s responsibility put in quality drywall using the best possible installation techniques. But you play a big part in the success of your drywall installation, too. Here are a few simple steps you can take to be a good customer when hiring a Marin County drywall contractor.

Be clear and upfront with the drywall contractor. Let them know what you want from your drywall installation, the long-term outcome you’re expecting and specific ways they can satisfy your expectations.

Be sure your service representative has a phone number where they can reach you at all times while they’re installing your drywall. The work will move along more smoothly if your drywall contractor can reach you for any necessary updates, questions or work authorizations.

Before you hire a drywall contractor in Marin County, restate your expectations and goals, and reiterate to the drywall company representative your understanding of the agreement. Most problems with local drywall contractors occur because of a breakdown in communication. By being clear about your expectations and theirs, you can avoid most conflicts.

Ask your drywall contractor if you should call to check on the progress or if he will call you with updates.

Why would you want to be a good customer? Drywall contractors in Marin County appreciate customers who are straightforward, honest and easy to work with. Your good customer behavior sets the tone from your end and creates an environment conducive to a good relationship. Things may very well go smoother and any problems may be more easily resolved.

Written Warranties

Warranties in Writing from Your Marin County Drywall Contractor

Most good drywall contractors will offer some type of warranty on the drywall work. Before the drywall contractor leaves, confirm any warranties offered by the drywall contractor in Marin County, including the larger cities of Corte Madera, Tiburon, Sausalito, Fairfax, Ross and Belvedere. All details of the warranty should be provided to you in writing. The written warranty document must detail the following:

The drywall contractor’s name and physical address

If the drywall contractor warranty coverage is transferrable to the new owner in the event that you sell the home.

The length of time as well as limitations should be covered. Warranties should cover materials and workmanship, and names and addresses of the warrantor. This may include the contractor, manufacturer, and distributor.

Your responsibility in the case of a problem with the drywall project and what you need to do in order to redeem the warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions for Local Drywall Contractors

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified drywall contractor?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a drywall contractor with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only drywall contractors rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. So you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified drywall contractor.

Q: How can I be sure that I am hiring a good drywall contractor?
A: Choosing a Diamond Certified drywall contractor will help ensure that you are getting a contractor you can trust. This is the best way to hire a good drywall contractor and avoid any scams. If you are unable to hire a Diamond Certified drywall contractor in your area, then look for a local drywall contractor that has worked for someone you know. Be sure to call references of the drywall contractor you are considering. Also, check with any organizations the drywall contractor is a member of, as well as local consumer reporting agencies and the CSLB to see if the contractor has any complaints against their record.

Q: What does the backing on drywall do to prevent fire?
A: Backing on drywall is constructed in such a way that it should remain stable for an hour or longer in the unfortunate event of a fire. Checking for backing is part of the inspection process and must be applied in order to pass on certain drywall areas. Backing adds strength to drywall. When a fire hose is spraying water on the drywall, the drywall should be able to keep its structural integrity for sixty seconds of direct spray.

Q: When my drywall is being installed, will there be dust?
A: Yes, dust from drywall can be very heavy. Your contractor will do everything possible to protect your home from the dust but, unfortunately, dust is a part of drywall installation. You will want to keep your air conditioner and heater turned off while the drywall is being installed. Your drywall contractor may bring in fans to help with the ventilation during the drywall process.

Q: Is hanging drywall a difficult job?
A: Hanging drywall is the most physically demanding part of installing drywall. The drywall installation requires patience and it is very demanding work. Besides hanging the drywall, there is the application of tape and mud. You want a drywall contractor that can do the difficult work but also has an artistic eye to do a great job.

Q: Do you need to use greenboard in the bathroom?
A: Yes, greenboard is necessary in any room that has regular use of water such as the bathroom and laundry areas. Greenboard is moisture resistant. Greenboard doesn’t work in areas like showers or bathtub walls. For those areas, you need something that is waterproof not just water resistant.

Q: Is sheetrock fire resistant?
A: Yes, sheetrock or drywall is fire resistant. However, it is not fireproof. There are different levels of fire resistance with sheetrock. Your drywall contractor can recommend the best type of drywall fire resistance for your project.

Q: Can I get an estimate on drywall repair over the phone?
A: Yes, you can probably get an estimate over the phone. However, you will more than likely be given a minimum charge which may not be accurate. Every job is unique and the only way to get a true estimate is for the professional drywall contractor to see your drywall project area and measure it.

Q: Should I use sheetrock or drywall?
A: Actually, sheetrock and drywall are the same thing. They may also go by the names of gypsum board or wallboard. They are all used for drywall projects and they are made of the same material.